Frigid but hot (and cheap): an independent theater festival sizzles

February 22, 1:36 PMNY Bargain Entertainment ExaminerLucy Di Rosa

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The New York theater scene is teeming with talented people. There are literally thousands of them. What do they do if they cannot overcome the competitiveness, the red tape, and the financial obstacles strewn on the path to Broadway?

It’s simple. They find creative ways to stage their work, regardless.

One example of a creative channel for these artists is The FRIGID New York 2009 festival, which begins this week on the East Village. Founded by EXIT Theatre in 2007 and now co-produced by Horse Trade Theater Group, this independent theater festival offers 150 performances of 30 different plays over 12 days. The shows are culturally and stylistically diverse, with productions from around the country, as well as from places as diverse as Canada and Syria. All performances take place at the Kraine Theater, The Red Room, and at UNDER St. Marks. The festival received outstanding reviews in its first two years, and this year promises to be just as successful.

Regarding cost: Individual ticket prices vary between $8 and $16 dollars per performance, which itself is bargain. However, you can also purchase a festival pass for $30 dollars. The pass entitles you to tickets to three plays of your choice, and also grants you access to the March 1 official opening party at the Kraine, where you can get free food and beer, as well as unfettered access to the above-mentioned creative types, and tunes by DJ Joey Nova.

While it is true that the festival is a great deal compared to prices on Broadway and even off-Broadway, it is also true that you cannot put a price on sitting in an intimate theater and being entertained, moved, or challenged by fresh and innovative material performed by as-yet undiscovered talents. It is at festivals such as this where stars are born. I would suggest that even $30 dollars is a small price to pay, to have the opportunity to witness that.

Maybe I’ll see you there.

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The FRIGID New York 2009 Festival starts February 25 and runs to March 8.

Take the 6 to Astor Place, or the F, V to 2nd Ave.

Venue map